Abstract

The inner-valence electron states of the methane molecule have been studied by means of X-ray, synchrotron radiation and UV-photoelectron spectroscopy. Five correlation satellites have been identified and a detailed study has been carried out of the 2a₁^-1 single hole state. For this state a Franck-Condon analysis has been performed, suggesting an equilibrium bond distance of 1.279 Å. The vibrational lines have a Lorentzian shape and the linewidth increases gradually with the vibrational quantum number. This probably indicates a reduction of the life-time of the vibrational states due to predissociation. A discussion of the potential curves related to the correlation satellites is included.

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